Seatbelt retractor and method for releasing an erroneously synchromeshed position of a seatbelt retractor

Abstract

This invention describes a seatbelt retractor (10) for a vehicle, comprising a locking disc (22) on which a locking element (24) is supported. In the extended position, the locking element (24) engages with locking teeth (28) on a frame (12) of the seatbelt retractor (10). In the retracted position, the locking element (24) releases the locking teeth (28). A clutch disc (38) is further provided, which is kinematically coupled to the locking element (24) via a control geometry (40) and a control element (36). The control geometry (40) includes a first retracted region and a second retracted region for receiving the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in at least a partially retracted position, and a first extended region and a second extended region for receiving the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in the extended position. The invention further proposes a method for releasing an incorrectly synchronized locking position of the seatbelt retractor (10).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a seatbelt retractor for a vehicle, comprising a frame in which a seatbelt reel for winding and unwinding seatbelt webbing is rotatably supported about a reel axis. A locking disc is provided and coupled to the seatbelt reel. A locking element is supported on the locking disc, which, in an extended position, engages with locking teeth on the frame to lock rotation of the locking disc relative to the frame. In a retracted position, the locking element releases the locking teeth on the frame, allowing the locking disc to rotate relative to the frame. Furthermore, the seatbelt retractor includes a clutch disc, which is rotatably supported within a limited range about a seatbelt reel axis and coupled to the locking element via a control geometry and a control element cooperating with the control geometry, such that the locking element can be transferred between an extended and a retracted position by rotation of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc. Similarly, the seatbelt retractor includes a stop pawl adjustable between a stop position and an idle position. In the stop position, the stop pawl engages with stop teeth on the clutch disc to prevent the clutch disc from rotating relative to the frame in the unwinding direction. In the idle position, the stop pawl is not engaged with the stop teeth, thus allowing rotation of the clutch disc relative to the frame to be unimpeded. The control geometry has a first retracted region and a first extended region. The first retracted region receives the control element when the locking element is in the retracted position, and the first extended region receives the control element when the clutch disc and the locking disc rotate relative to each other within a predetermined range, when the locking element is in the extended position.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for releasing an erroneously synchronized locking position of a seatbelt retractor, the seatbelt retractor comprising: a seatbelt reel for winding and unwinding seatbelt webbing; and a locking disc coupled to the seatbelt reel, the locking disc having a locking element supported thereon, the locking element engaging in locking teeth on a frame in an extended position to lock rotation of the locking disc relative to the frame. Accordingly, the seatbelt retractor further comprises a blocking pawl engaging in blocking teeth on a clutch disc kinetically coupled to the locking element in a blocking position to block rotation of the clutch disc relative to the frame. Specifically, the seatbelt retractor is a seatbelt retractor of the type mentioned at the beginning.

[0003] For better readability, the term "locking" will be used below to refer to the locking disc's rotational stop relative to the frame. In contrast, the term "blocking" will be used for the clutch disc's rotational stop relative to the frame. Both terms may be used for the seatbelt retractor as a whole.

[0004] These seatbelt retractors are known in the prior art.

[0005] The locking element and the blocking claw are used to inhibit, i.e. block or lock the seat belt webbing from unwinding from the seat belt retractor in a vehicle-sensitive manner (i.e., in response to the state of the vehicle equipped with the seat belt retractor, specifically deceleration) and / or in a webbing-sensitive manner (i.e., in response to the state of the webbing, specifically extension acceleration or extension speed).

[0006] As explained earlier, the locking disc and thus the seatbelt reel's rotation relative to the frame can be locked by rotational actuation of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc, specifically by transferring the locking element to its extended position. For this purpose, the locking disc and the clutch disc must be rotatably supported adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the clutch disc and the locking disc are connected via control elements, control geometry, and the locking element supported on the locking disc.

[0007] In this way, vehicle occupants can always be securely held inside the vehicle by the seatbelt webbing. This is especially useful in the event of an accident involving a vehicle equipped with a seatbelt retractor.

[0008] The control geometry is configured as a control cam or a control gate, and the control element is configured as a control pin.

[0009] In this context, the degree of movement of the control element relative to the control geometry originates from the geometric design of both the control element and the control geometry. Regarding the movable support of the locking element on the locking disc, this results in a predetermined degree of relative rotatability of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc. Therefore, this relative rotatability is limited in both rotational directions due to the coupling mechanism explained above.

[0010] The predetermined degree of relative rotatability of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc ensures that, when the clutch disc is rotatably resisted by the blocking pawl and the locking disc rotates relative to the clutch disc by unwinding the webbing, the rotation occurs only in a predetermined portion or tooth of the locking element, which, by means of control geometry and control elements, transitions to its extended position and engages with the locking teeth on the frame. The predetermined portion or tooth is a result of the design of each possible rotational position of the locking element, obtained by increasing the relative rotation between the clutch disc and the locking disc required to transfer the locking element when the clutch disc is rotatably resisted. Therefore, for each rotational position of the locking element on the locking disc that can block the clutch disc, the tooth or portion of the locking teeth in which the locking element engages to rotatably block the locking disc can be determined. Due to this fact, this is also referred to as synchronous locking or synchronous blocking of the seatbelt retractor. Furthermore, this state of the seatbelt retractor can be referred to as the locked state or locked position.

[0011] When the state requiring locking the locking disc and thus preventing further unwinding of the webbing ends, the locking element can be disengaged from the locking teeth by rotating the locking disc relative to the clutch disc. Furthermore, the blocking pawl disengages from the blocking teeth. Therefore, the webbing can be rewound and unwound by the seatbelt retractor.

[0012] In order to stop the seatbelt retractor from rotation relative to the frame and subsequently release the seatbelt retractor, multiple components of the seatbelt retractor must cooperate. Specifically, the stop pawl, clutch disc, locking disc, locking element, control element, and control geometry must be precisely matched.

[0013] In particular, these components must work reliably regardless of the seatbelt retractor's activation dynamics. This must be ensured over a wide operating temperature range and throughout the entire lifespan of the seatbelt retractor (i.e., regardless of whether aging may occur).

[0014] Accordingly, it is essential to prevent the seatbelt retractor from exhibiting a blocking state that deviates from the synchronization stop. These blocking states are referred to as missynchronization or asynchronization, and they cause components of the seatbelt retractor to jam in unintended ways, thus affecting its function.

[0015] Clearly, this requires considerable effort in the design and manufacture of seatbelt retractors.

[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a seatbelt retractor of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be manufactured and designed effortlessly. This seatbelt retractor is intended to be at least functionally equivalent to known seatbelt retractors.

[0017] This objective is achieved by a seatbelt retractor of the type mentioned at the beginning, wherein the control geometry includes a second extension region that receives the control element when the locking element is in the extended position, provided that the clutch disc and locking disc have rotated relative to each other beyond a predetermined degree. Furthermore, the control geometry of the seatbelt retractor according to the invention includes a second retractable region that receives the control element when the locking element is in the partially retracted position. Accordingly, the second extension region and the second retractable region are separate from each other and from the first extension region and the first retractable region.

[0018] Beyond existing technologies, the control geometry, and therefore the entire seatbelt retractor, is explicitly designed to accommodate a state where the locking disc and clutch disc rotate relative to each other beyond a predetermined degree. In other words, excessive rotation of the clutch disc and locking disc relative to each other is permitted. Based on the rotational obstruction of the clutch disc by the blocking pawl (which could occur at any rotational position of the locking element), the locking element no longer engages with a predetermined tooth or portion of the locking teeth on the frame, but instead engages with a tooth or portion that is offset from it. Thus, the seatbelt retractor is locked in a missynchronized or mis-connected state.

[0019] This locking state may occur, for example, under the influence of high temperatures, high-speed activation of the moving elements of the seatbelt retractor, or the effect of clearance within the seatbelt retractor's blocking and / or locking mechanism.

[0020] According to the present invention, due to the provision of a second retraction region for controlling the geometry, the seatbelt retractor can reliably transition back from an incorrect synchronization state (i.e., a state where the seatbelt reel is rotationally restricted and the clutch disc and locking disc rotate relative to each other beyond a predetermined degree) to an operating state where the webbing can be wound and unwound. In other words, the present invention ensures that the seatbelt retractor can exit this incorrect synchronization state again.

[0021] In known seatbelt retractors, this erroneous synchronization locking state is undesirable and typically causes the seatbelt retractor to jam, preventing it from transitioning from the locked state to a state where the webbing can be wound and / or unwound.

[0022] On the one hand, the seatbelt retractor according to the invention therefore has a simple design. Furthermore, it is robust even when exhibiting missynchronization. Therefore, the operational reliability of this seatbelt retractor is enhanced compared to known seatbelt retractors.

[0023] In the seatbelt retractor according to the invention, control geometry and control elements are used to move the locking element and clutch disc. However, this does not imply that the control geometry and control elements are in contact with each other at all times.

[0024] The locking element can be designed as a locking slider, specifically movably supported on a locking disc along a direction extending transversely to the seatbelt reel axis. Alternatively, the locking element can be a locking pawl, specifically rotatably supported on a locking disc about a rotation axis. Accordingly, specifically, the rotation axis of the locking pawl is oriented approximately parallel to the seatbelt reel axis.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second extended region is located on the opposite side of the first extended region from the first retracted region. Therefore, the second extended region is also positioned adjacent to the first extended region. In this way, it is ensured that the control element can reliably switch to the second extended region, and the seatbelt retractor can therefore exhibit missynchronization or over-rotation.

[0026] Furthermore, the second retractable area is specifically located on the opposite side of the second extended area from the first extended area. When the seatbelt retractor intends to leave the missynchronized position again, the control element enters the second retractable area. Therefore, since the second retractable area is located adjacent to the second extended area, this can be done quickly and easily. Thus, the seatbelt retractor can reliably leave the missynchronized locked state.

[0027] In the variant, the first and second retracted regions are further positioned at opposite ends of the control geometry.

[0028] Therefore, overall, the following arrangement is obtained along the different regions of the control geometry: second retracted region, second extended region, first extended region, and first retracted region.

[0029] This control geometry features a simple and compact design. In this way, it can be manufactured relatively easily and operated reliably.

[0030] The control geometry can be generally curved. Specifically, the ends of the control geometry face the seatbelt reel axis. This control geometry can be installed inside the seatbelt retractor in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, it can be manufactured using standard tools and machines.

[0031] In addition, this control geometry can be described as kidney-shaped or banana-shaped.

[0032] According to an alternative, the control geometry is formed from a portion of an opening or recess. Specifically, the control geometry is the edge portion of the opening or recess. This control geometry can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, its operation is robust.

[0033] The control element can be formed from a control pin. This control element can reliably interact with the control geometry formed by a portion of the opening or recess. Furthermore, the control pin has a simple and robust structure.

[0034] Preferably, in this context, an opening or recess is provided on the clutch disc, and a control pin is formed on the locking element. Therefore, a reliable kinematic connection is formed between the clutch disc and the locking element, and the relative rotation between the clutch disc and the locking disc causes the locking element to shift relative to the locking disc. This shift occurs either towards the extended position of the locking element or towards the retracted position, depending on the sign of the relative rotation. The degree of shift is determined by the rotation angle of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc.

[0035] The stop pawl can be drivenly connected to an actuator, which can then switch the stop pawl from at least an idle position to a stopped position. In doing so, the actuator can operate in a vehicle-sensitive and / or webbing-sensitive manner. The stop pawl can switch from the stopped position to the idle position solely under the influence of gravity. Therefore, it can be said that the stop pawl switches to the idle position passively. As a result, the seatbelt retractor has a simple structure.

[0036] The blocking pawl can also be used as a webbing-sensitive actuator; for this purpose, the blocking pawl is supported on the clutch disc, for example.

[0037] Furthermore, the locking element can be biased relative to the locking disc to its retracted position. Specifically, the locking element is biased relative to the locking disc by a spring. Therefore, there is always a defined position of the locking element relative to the locking disc. In addition, noise and vibration are damped in this way.

[0038] The clutch disc can be further biased relative to the locking disc to an initial rotational position. Specifically, the clutch disc is biased to the initial rotational position by a spring. In the initial rotational position, the clutch disc can be adjacent to the contact surface of the locking disc. Therefore, even in this context, a defined rotational position is always present. Furthermore, undesirable noise and vibration are avoided. Additionally, the rotation of the clutch disc relative to the locking disc can be limited by another stop.

[0039] Furthermore, the control element can be biased toward the control geometry, at least when it is positioned in the second extended region. In this context, the bias also specifically originates from the spring. Therefore, the control element interacts with the control geometry in a defined manner, at least when it is positioned in the second extended region.

[0040] This spring can be integrated with the clutch disc or it can be a separate component mounted on the clutch disc. The spring can be made of metal or plastic.

[0041] This objective is also achieved through a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, which includes the following steps:

[0042] a) Rotate the seatbelt reel in the winding direction to cause the locking element to slide away from at least one back of the locking teeth on the frame and move in the direction of the retracted position of the locking element, and

[0043] b) Release the blocking pawl so that it moves from the blocking position to the idle position, in which the blocking pawl releases the rotation of the clutch disc relative to the frame.

[0044] Therefore, the erroneous synchronization locking position can be released by first rotating the seatbelt reel in the winding direction. In this way, the blocking claw disengages from the blocking tooth. Based on this, there is no longer an erroneous synchronization locking position, allowing the seatbelt retractor to be easily removed from the locked position.

[0045] Therefore, even in the method according to the invention, erroneous synchronization of the seatbelt retractor's locked position is explicitly acknowledged, and at the same time, the manner in which the seatbelt retractor can disengage from said locked position is defined. This increases the reliability of the seatbelt retractor during operation.

[0046] According to one variant, the blocking pawl is released by the rotational movement of the clutch disc along the winding direction. Specifically, this rotational movement is caused by the kinetic engagement of the locking element, which moves within the range of step a), with the clutch disc. Therefore, the blocking pawl is reliably released.

[0047] After releasing the blocking claw, the locking element can be switched to the extended position corresponding to the synchronous locking state by rotating the seat belt reel in the unwinding direction. Based on this, the seat belt retractor can be switched back to its operating state, in which the webbing can be smoothly wound and unwound. Therefore, the erroneous synchronous locking state is quickly and reliably canceled.

[0048] This method is specifically performed using a seatbelt retractor according to the invention.

[0049] The invention will be described below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] - Figure 1 A seatbelt retractor according to the invention is schematically shown, by which the method according to the invention can be performed.

[0051] - Figures 2 to 16 They are shown respectively Figure 1 Detailed view of the seatbelt retractor during a sequence of operations according to the method of the present invention.

[0052] - Figure 17 It is shown in a separate diagram. Figures 1 to 16 The control geometry and cooperative control elements of the seat belt retractor, and

[0053] - Figures 18 to 20 Different variations of the design of the spring on the clutch disc of the seatbelt retractor according to the invention are shown.

[0054] Figure 1 A seatbelt retractor 10 for use in vehicles is shown.

[0055] The seat belt retractor 10 includes a frame 12 on which a seat belt reel 14 for winding or unwinding the seat belt webbing 16 is mounted.

[0056] More precisely, the seatbelt reel 14 is rotatably supported in the frame 12 about the seatbelt reel axis 18.

[0057] In addition, the seat belt retractor 10 includes a fastener 20, via which the seat belt retractor can be fastened in the motor vehicle.

[0058] Specifically, the unwinding of the webbing 16 from the seatbelt reel 14 can be locked or blocked in a vehicle-sensitive manner (i.e., in response to the state of a vehicle equipped with the seatbelt retractor 10) and / or a webbing-sensitive manner (i.e., in response to the state of the seatbelt webbing 16).

[0059] When the seatbelt retractor 10 is in the locked or blocked state, it prevents the webbing 16 from further unwinding from the seatbelt reel 14.

[0060] To provide this functionality, the seatbelt reel 14 is connected to the locking disc 22.

[0061] A locking element 24 is supported on the locking disc 22. In the illustrated embodiment, this locking element takes the form of a locking slider that is movable relative to the locking disc in a direction 26 extending generally transversely to the axis 18 of the seatbelt reel (see [link]). Figure 2 ).

[0062] Therefore, in the following text, reference numeral 24 is used for both the locking slider and the locking element.

[0063] In this context, the locking slider 24 can be in an extended position, in which the locking slider engages with the locking teeth 28 on the frame 12, and thus locks the relative rotation of the locking disc 22 with respect to the frame 12.

[0064] This is particularly applicable to the rotational direction indicated by arrow 30, which corresponds to the unwinding of the seatbelt webbing 16.

[0065] The locking slider 24 can also be in a retracted position. In this position, the locking slider releases the locking teeth 28 on the frame 12, thereby allowing the locking disc 22 to rotate relative to the frame 12.

[0066] Furthermore, the locking slider 24 is biased toward the retracted position of the locking slider by means of the spring 32. More precisely, the bias comes from portion 34 of the spring 32.

[0067] Furthermore, a control element 36 in the form of a control pin is provided on the locking slider 24, the function of which will be explained further below.

[0068] In addition, the seat belt retractor 10 includes a clutch disc 38 that can rotate within a limited range about the seat belt reel axis 18.

[0069] More precisely, the clutch disc 38 can rotate relative to the locking disc between the stops 39a and 39b of the locking disc 22.

[0070] The clutch disc 38 is also provided with a control geometry 40, which in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of the edge portion 42 of the opening 44 of the clutch disc 38.

[0071] It should be understood that, Figures 2 to 16 In the illustration, the clutch disc 38 is shown incompletely, making the components behind it, specifically the locking slider 24 and the locking disc 22, visible. In reality, the periphery of the clutch disc 38 is closed.

[0072] For these reasons, the opening 44, which is defined by the clutch disc 38, is therefore... Figures 2 to 16 The outline is partially shown in the middle.

[0073] The control geometry 40 cooperates with the control element 36 disposed on the locking slider 24.

[0074] In this way, the locking slider 24 can be displaced between its extended position and its retracted position by rotating the clutch disc 38 relative to the locking disc 22. This applies to both displacement in the direction of retraction and displacement in the direction of extension.

[0075] The control geometry 40 can also be referred to as the control gate. Thus, the control element 36 constitutes a sliding stop.

[0076] The control geometry 40 is generally curved, with its ends facing the seatbelt reel axis 18.

[0077] In addition, the control geometry 40 includes different regions (see Figure 17 The control element 36 can be arranged in these areas in response to the rotational position of the clutch disc 38 relative to the locking disc 22.

[0078] Based on the end of the control geometry 40 shown on the right side of the figure, the control geometry 40 includes a first retractable region 40a, in which the control element 36 can be received when the locking element 24 is in the retracted position.

[0079] Furthermore, the control geometry includes a first extended region 40b, which is also configured to receive the control element 36. However, if the locking element is in its extended position and the clutch disc 38 rotates relative to the locking disc 22 within a predetermined range, the control element is positioned within the first extended region, as will be explained further below.

[0080] In addition, the control geometry 40 includes a second extension region 40c, which can receive the control element 36 when the locking element is in the extended position if the clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22 rotate relative to each other beyond a predetermined degree.

[0081] Furthermore, a second retractable region 40d is provided, which is used to receive the control element 36 when the locking element 24 is in the partially retracted position.

[0082] Therefore, the second extended region 40c is located on the opposite side of the first extended region 40b to the first retracted region 40a.

[0083] The second retracted region 40d is located on the opposite side of the second extended region 40c from the first extended region 40b.

[0084] The first retraction region 40a and the second retraction region 40d are located at opposite ends of the control geometry 40.

[0085] In this context, the clutch disc 38 is spring-loaded relative to the locking disc 22 (the spring is not shown).

[0086] The clutch disc 38 is also provided with a blocking tooth 46.

[0087] Furthermore, the seatbelt retractor 10 has a blocking claw 48, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is rotatably supported on the frame 12.

[0088] The blocking pawl 48 can be in a blocking position, in which the blocking pawl engages in the blocking teeth 46 to prevent the clutch disc 38 from rotating in the unwinding direction (see arrow 30).

[0089] Alternatively, the blocking pawl 48 may be in an idle position in which it is not engaged in the blocking teeth 46, and thus allows the clutch disc 38 to rotate relative to the frame 12 without impeding its rotation.

[0090] In this context, the blocking claw 48 is drivenly connected to the actuator 50, which is shown only schematically, and the blocking claw 48 can be switched from the idle position to the blocking position by the actuator.

[0091] Actuator 50 can actuate stop pawl 48 in a vehicle-sensitive and / or webbing-sensitive manner.

[0092] In addition, a spring 52 is provided on the seat belt retractor 10, by which the control element 36 is biased toward the control geometry 40 at least when the control element is positioned in the second extension region 40c.

[0093] For this purpose, spring 52 is fastened to clutch disc 38.

[0094] As an alternative to spring 52, part 54 of spring 32 can be configured for this purpose.

[0095] Therefore, it should be understood that spring 52 and part 54 of spring 32 are alternatives to each other; however, for ease of illustration, both are shown inside the same seat belt retractor 10.

[0096] In fact, either spring 52 or spring 32 is set in part 54.

[0097] In an alternative configuration with spring 52, the spring can be formed as a separate spring element fastened to clutch disc 38 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 18 ).

[0098] In this context, the spring 52 is preferably made of metal, while the clutch disc is made of plastic material.

[0099] Alternatively, the spring 52 can be designed as an integral part of the clutch disc 38 (see...). Figure 19 and Figure 20 In this case, spring 52 and clutch disc 38 are made of the same material, specifically plastic.

[0100] The function of the seatbelt retractor will be explained below.

[0101] The blocking claw 48 is initially in its idle position, and the locking slider 24 is in its retracted position.

[0102] Therefore, the seat belt reel 14 can rotate freely around the seat belt reel axis 18, allowing vehicle occupants to wind the webbing 16 onto or unwind it from the seat belt reel 14 as desired.

[0103] As shown, the seatbelt retractor 10 can be switched to a locked state in a vehicle-sensitive or webbing-sensitive manner, in which the seatbelt webbing 16 can no longer be unwound from the seatbelt reel 14, or can only be unwound to a limited extent.

[0104] To achieve this state, the actuator 50 first moves the blocking pawl 48 to its blocking position, causing it to engage with the blocking teeth 46 of the clutch disc 38, and thus preventing the clutch disc 38 from moving in the unwinding direction (see arrow 30) (see... Figure 2 Rotate further.

[0105] The clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22 are still in their initial rotational position, that is, the clutch disc 38 abuts against the stop portion 39a of the locking disc 22.

[0106] If the webbing 16 continues to extend from the seat belt reel 14, the clutch disc 38 remains resisted in rotation relative to the frame 12.

[0107] However, the locking disc 22 rotates.

[0108] In other words, relative rotation occurs between the clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22.

[0109] In this way, the locking slider 24 moves out of its retracted position in the direction of its extended position.

[0110] The condition for the movement to occur is that the control element 36 moves out of the first retracted region 40a along the control geometry 40 in the direction of the first extended region 40b due to the relative rotation.

[0111] The movement occurs due to the bias of portion 34 of the resistance spring 32.

[0112] When the seatbelt retractor 10 is actuated with very high dynamics, its components may elastically deform. This situation occurs in... Figure 3 The diagram shows that the blocking claw 48 is shown with a certain overlap with the associated teeth of the blocking tooth 46.

[0113] This elastic deformation of the components of the seatbelt retractor 10 causes the locking slider 24 to not engage with the actual setting portion of the locking teeth 28 on the frame 12 when it is in its extended position (see [reference]). Figure 4 The dashed line in the locking slider 24 indicates 24a), but rather there is a tooth-to-tooth position between the locking slider 24 and the locking tooth 28 (see Figure 4 ).

[0114] If the seatbelt webbing 16 continues to be unwound from the seatbelt reel 14, and therefore the locking disc 22 continues to rotate relative to the clutch disc 38, the locking slider 24 slips away from the tooth that previously formed a tooth-to-tooth position with it due to the interaction between the control element 36 and the control geometry 40 (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0115] Continue rotating the locking disc 22 until portion 54 of the spring 32 begins to contact the clutch disc 38 and begins to establish a proper bias (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0116] If the locking disc 22 is rotated further relative to the clutch disc 38, the bias increases and the locking slider 24 eventually engages in the locking teeth 28 (see...). Figure 7).

[0117] At this position, due to the already mentioned elastic deformation, the locking disc 22 and the clutch disc 38 rotate relative to each other by a predetermined amount.

[0118] The control element 36 is now in the second extended region 40c of the control geometry 40.

[0119] In addition, the clutch disc 38 abuts against the stop portion 39b of the locking disc 22.

[0120] In this case, portions 34 and 54 of spring 32 are also biased to the maximum extent.

[0121] As a partial alternative to 54, spring 52 can also be biased.

[0122] At this position, since the locking slider 24 is not engaged in the portion of the locking tooth 28 corresponding to the predetermined relative rotation between the clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22 (see...) Figure 4 and Figure 7 The dashed line in 24a) indicates that it is not a deviation from the tooth pitch, but rather a deviation from the tooth pitch, thus referring to the asynchronous locking state of the seat belt retractor 10.

[0123] In this position, the locking disc 22 is prevented from rotating further relative to the frame 12.

[0124] Instead of elastic deformation caused by the highly dynamic actuated seat belt retractor 10, the seat belt retractor may also be in an asynchronous locking state when the clearance between the components of the seat belt retractor exceeds the expected amount, for example due to manufacturing tolerances or aging effects.

[0125] To release the seatbelt retractor 10 from this position, the seatbelt webbing 16 is released, causing the seatbelt reel 14 to rotate in the winding direction (see...). Figure 8 (Arrow 56) rotate.

[0126] During the rotation, the locking slider 24 is applied in the direction of the control geometry by means of the spring 52 or by means of part 54 of the spring 32, and thus moves in the direction of its retracted position.

[0127] In addition, the locking slider 24 slides away from the back of the locking tooth 28.

[0128] As a result, the blocking pawl 48 can move relative to the blocking tooth 46 toward the direction of the blocking pawl's idle position.

[0129] If the rotational movement of the locking disc 22 continues due to the sliding of the locking slider 24 away from the locking tooth 28 and the associated rotation of the clutch disc 38, a gap is formed between the blocking pawl 48 and the associated blocking tooth 46, allowing the blocking pawl 48 to move freely to its idle position (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking claw 48 then moves to its idle position due to gravity (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0131] Due to the loading of spring 52 and the corresponding portion 54 of spring 32, as well as portion 34 of spring 32, the control element 36 is moved to the second retracted region 40d of the control geometry 40. This is accompanied by the locking slider 24 sliding away from the locking tooth 28.

[0132] This is possible because the clutch disc 38 is released in terms of rotation around the seat belt reel axis 18.

[0133] If control element 36 reaches the second retracted region 40d, then the control element has reached the end of control geometry 40. For this reason, locking slider 24 cannot move further toward its retracted position. Therefore, locking disc 22 also cannot move further along the unwinding direction (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0134] At this point, the webbing 16 is loaded again along the unwinding direction.

[0135] This causes the locking disc 22 to rotate again in the direction indicated by arrow 30 (see...) Figure 12 ).

[0136] In this way, the locking slider 24, more precisely, its teeth are lifted away from the back of the locking teeth 28 and applied to the corresponding opposing tooth surfaces of the locking teeth 28 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0137] Based on this, the locking disc 22 cannot rotate further because the locking slider 24 is engaged in the locking teeth 28.

[0138] However, the control element 36 can slide away from the control geometry 40.

[0139] At the same time, the locking slider 24 slides deeper into the locking teeth 28.

[0140] Therefore, the released clutch disc 38 rotates relative to the locking disc 22.

[0141] This rotation occurs until the locking slider 24 is fully engaged in the locking teeth 28 (see...). Figure 15 ).

[0142] Since it is reset by means of spring 52 or part 54 of spring 32, the control element 36 then reaches the first extension area 40b (see Figure 15 ).

[0143] This state, in terms of the relative rotational positions of the clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22, and in terms of the position of the locking slider 24, corresponds to the synchronous locking state of the seatbelt retractor 10, i.e., the seatbelt retractor's locked state, in which the clutch disc 38 and the locking disc 22 rotate relative to each other within a predetermined range. Compared to the synchronous locking state, only the blocking pawl 48 is in its idle position.

[0144] If the webbing 16 is released and therefore no longer loaded in the extension direction, the seatbelt retractor 10 can thus be unlocked in the same way as the synchronous lock.

[0145] Due to the restoring force of the spring 32, the control element 36 slides away along the control geometry 40 until it reaches the first retraction region 40a.

[0146] At the same time, the locking slider 24 moves to its retracted position (see...) Figure 16 ).

[0147] In this state, the seatbelt retractor 10 is unlocked. Therefore, the seatbelt webbing 16 can be wound and unwound.

Claims

1. A seatbelt retractor (10) for a vehicle, the seatbelt retractor comprising: The frame (12), the seat belt reel (14) for winding and unwinding the seat belt webbing (16), is rotatably supported in the frame about the seat belt reel axis (18). A locking disc (22) is connected to the seatbelt reel (14), wherein a locking element (24) is supported on the locking disc (22), the locking element engaging with locking teeth (28) on the frame (12) in the extended position to lock the rotation of the locking disc (22) relative to the frame (12), and releasing the locking teeth (28) on the frame (12) in the retracted position to allow the locking disc (22) to rotate relative to the frame (12). A clutch disc (38), rotatably supported within a limited range about the seatbelt reel axis (18), and coupled to the locking element (24) via a control geometry (40) and a control element (36) cooperating with the control geometry (40), such that the locking element (24) can be transferred between the extended position and the retracted position by rotation of the clutch disc (38) relative to the locking disc (22), and A blocking pawl (48) is adjustable between a blocking position and an idle position. In the blocking position, the blocking pawl engages with blocking teeth (46) on the clutch disc (38) to prevent the clutch disc (38) from rotating relative to the frame (12) in the unwinding direction. In the idle position, the blocking pawl does not engage with the blocking teeth (46), thereby allowing the clutch disc (38) to rotate relative to the frame (12) without obstructing its rotation. The control geometry (40) includes a first retractable region (40a) and a first extended region (40b). The first retractable region receives the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in the retracted position. If the clutch disc (38) and the locking disc (22) rotate relative to each other within a predetermined degree, the first extended region receives the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in the extended position. The control geometry (40) is characterized by including a second extension region (40c) that receives the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in the extended position if the clutch disc (38) and the locking disc (22) rotate relative to each other beyond the predetermined degree. The control geometry (40) includes a second retractable region (40d) that receives the control element (36) when the locking element (24) is in the partially retracted position.

2. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second extended region (40c) is located on the opposite side of the first extended region (40b) to the first retracted region (40a).

3. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second retracted region (40d) is located on the opposite side of the second extended region (40c) to the first extended region (40b).

4. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first retracted region (40a) and the second retracted region (40d) are located at opposite ends of the control geometry (40).

5. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control geometry (40) is generally curved, specifically wherein the ends of the control geometry (40) face the axis (18) of the seat belt reel.

6. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control geometry (40) is formed by a portion of an opening (44) or a recess.

7. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control geometry (40) is formed by the opening (44) or the edge portion (42) of the recess.

8. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control element (36) is formed by a control pin.

9. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The opening (44) or the recess is formed on the clutch disc (38), and the control pin is formed on the locking element (24).

10. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blocking claw (48) is drivenly connected to the actuator (50), which enables the blocking claw (48) to be switched from the idle position to the blocking position by means of the actuator.

11. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking element (24) is biased relative to the locking disc (22) to the retracted position of the locking element by means of a spring.

12. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clutch disc (38) is biased relative to the locking disc (22) to the initial rotational position by means of the spring.

13. The seatbelt retractor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (36) is biased toward the control geometry (40) at least when the control element is positioned in the second extension region (40c) by means of a spring.

14. A method for releasing an erroneously synchronized locking position of a seatbelt retractor (10), the seatbelt retractor comprising: Seat belt reel (14), the seat belt reel is used to wind and unwind the seat belt webbing (16). The seatbelt retractor (10) includes a locking disc (22) connected to the seatbelt reel (14), a locking element (24) supported on the locking disc, the locking element engaging in locking teeth (28) on the frame (12) in the extended position to lock the rotation of the locking disc (22) relative to the frame (12), wherein the seatbelt retractor (10) further includes a blocking pawl (48), the blocking pawl engaging in blocking teeth (46) on a clutch disc (38) kinetically connected to the locking element (24) in the blocking position to block the rotation of the clutch disc (38) relative to the frame (12), wherein the seatbelt retractor (10) is a seatbelt retractor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the method includes the following steps: a) Rotate the seatbelt reel (14) in the winding direction, causing the locking element (24) to slide away from at least one back of the locking tooth (28) on the frame (12) and move in the direction of the retracted position of the locking element, and b) Release the blocking pawl (48) so that the blocking pawl changes from the blocking position to the idle position, in which the blocking pawl releases the rotation of the clutch disc (38) relative to the frame (12).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The blocking claw (48) is released by rotating the clutch disc (38) in the winding direction.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, After the blocking claw (48) is released, the locking element (24) is switched to the extended position corresponding to the synchronous locking state by rotating the seat belt reel (14) in the unwinding direction.

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